The Greenhouse Environment as Mini-Ecosystem

Here's a comprehensive explanation of the mini-ecosystem that makes up the greenhouse environment and how to manage it for maximum effectiveness.

Inside a plastic-sheeted greenhouse.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

Exterior of the New Alchemy Institute greenhouse.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

Even to flowers in a pot, the greenhouse environment is a mini-ecosystem.

Photo by MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

A thermal night curtain.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

Pole beans provide a biological shade.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

Grapevines can provide shade.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

Water tanks provide heat strorage, fish and fertilizer.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

A well-designed greenhouse can be a mini-ecosystem.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

Homemade "sticky card" whitefly traps.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

An early solar greenhouse design.

MOTHER EARTH NEWS Staff

Greenhouse temperatures should never exceed 86°F; an overheated greenhouse is as unproductive as one that's too cold. Inadequate ventilation is the number one downfall of many solar greenhouse designs. The vent area should equal one-sixth of the glazing area, and the vent's placement is critical.

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